How to Make Slow Cooker Cube Steak in 4 Simple Steps
Imagine coming home after a long day and smelling a delicious meal. This is what happens when you make slow cooker cube steak. It’s a hearty dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. You can set it up and forget about it, letting it cook while you relax. Plus, it’s great for family gatherings or a quiet dinner with loved ones.
Are you ready to learn how to make tender, flavorful cube steak and gravy? It’s going to be a hit with your family! Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Slow cooker cube steak provides convenience and rich flavors.
- Preparation takes only 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Cooking options allow for flexibility with low or high settings.
- This recipe balances budget and comfort food, serving multiple meals.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored up to 4 days in an airtight container.
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a budget-friendly cut of beef. It comes from the top round or top sirloin. This cut is tenderized, giving it unique indentations.
The tenderizing process makes it perfect for slow-cooked dishes. It cooks beautifully, making it a favorite among home cooks.
Understanding the Cut of Beef
Cube steak is a thinly cut piece of beef. It’s great for stewing and braising. Each steak weighs about 6 ounces.
Many recipes use four steaks, totaling 24 ounces of meat. This cut is both hearty and affordable. Its rich flavor and tender bite are loved by families.
Why Choose Cube Steak for Slow Cooking?
Cube steak is perfect for slow cooking. It breaks down tough fibers, making the meat tender. This method ensures each bite is tender.
Putting ingredients in a slow cooker is easy. Cube steak absorbs flavors well, making it great for weeknight dinners.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Cube Steak?
Using a slow cooker for cube steak makes meal prep easy and improves your dining experience. The cooking method greatly affects the dish’s texture and taste. This part explains the benefits of slow cooking and the ease of a “set-it-and-forget-it” method.
Benefits of Slow Cooking Meat
Slow cooking turns tough cuts into tender, juicy meat. Cube steak cooks for 6-8 hours at low heat, soaking up lots of flavor. It stays moist, offering a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience. This makes slow cooker cube steak a delicious and affordable choice.
The “Set-It-and-Forget-It” Convenience
Slow cookers are super easy to use. Just prepare your ingredients, set the timer, and forget about it. This is perfect for busy families who don’t have time to watch the pot. It’s great for making a big batch for meal prep or cooking dinner after a long day. Once you’ve mixed everything, the slow cooker does the rest, freeing up your time.
Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cube Steak
Making a tasty slow cooker cube steak starts with picking the right ingredients. The best cube steaks and gravy options make your meal special. Let’s look at what you need for a great slow cooker cube steak dinner.
Cubed Steaks: Choosing the Right Cut
Top round or top sirloin are the top picks for slow cooker cube steak. They taste great and are easy on your wallet. Make sure to buy a package with four 6-ounce pieces, for a total of 24 ounces. After tenderizing, aim for a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook well and soak up the gravy’s flavors.
Gravy Options: Cream of Mushroom vs. French Onion Soup
Choosing the right gravy is key to a perfect dish. Cream of mushroom soup is a favorite for its creamy texture and strong taste. French onion soup, on the other hand, adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with the meat. You can also find low-sodium versions to fit your diet.
Seasonings and Broth for Flavor
To boost your slow cooker cube steak, mix seasonings and broth. Beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like garlic powder, paprika, and oregano add a lot of flavor. Use half a cup of beef broth and one cup for cooking to make a tasty gravy. Don’t forget to add veggies like carrots, potatoes, and celery for a full meal.
Table of Contents
Preparing Your Slow Cooker Cube Steak
Before starting with your slow cooker cube steak, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. The right preparation steps are key to a delicious dish. Follow these guidelines to get started.
Step 1: Gathering Ingredients
First, collect all the ingredients you need for your slow cooker cube steak. You will require:
- 6 cube steak patties (about 1.5 pounds)
- 10.75-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup or 10.5-ounce can of French onion soup
- Broth (beef or chicken, as preferred)
- Desired seasonings, like salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Step 2: Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
After gathering your ingredients, it’s time to mix them in the slow cooker. Start by blending the soup and broth in the slow cooker bowl. Once mixed well, place the cube steaks in the mixture. Make sure each steak is fully coated to soak up flavors during cooking.
This careful mixing of ingredients will make your dish a hit with your family.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cube Steak Patties | 6 (1.5 pounds) |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | 10.75 ounces |
| French Onion Soup | 10.5 ounces |
| Broth | As needed |
| Seasonings | To taste |
Cooking Instructions for Slow Cooker Cube Steak
Setting up your slow cooker right can make your slow cooker cube steak taste better and feel softer. Make sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully for the best taste. Choosing between low and high settings is key to making the beef tender.
Step 3: Setting Your Slow Cooker
After mixing all the ingredients, cover your slow cooker. Choose your temperature setting. Cooking time changes based on low or high settings. For the softest meat, cooking on low is best. It lets the meat soak up flavors and stay juicy.
Cooking Time: Low vs. High Settings
Here are the cooking times for your slow cooker cube steak:
| Setting | Cooking Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 6-8 hours | Ideal for tender meat with rich flavor |
| High | 3-4 hours | Faster cooking, but meat may be less tender |
Low setting is best for slow cooker cube steak. It lets the meat blend with the flavors of cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. High setting cooks faster but might make the meat less tender. Always check your slow cooker and pick the setting that fits your schedule and taste preferences.
Thickening the Gravy
A rich, flavorful gravy makes your slow cooker cube steak even better. It adds flavor that sticks to the meat and side dishes. Without it, the gravy can be too watery, ruining the meal.
Getting the right consistency is crucial. It makes the gravy cling to your food perfectly, enhancing the taste.
Why Thicken the Gravy?
Thick gravy wraps the meat in flavor, making each bite juicy and tasty. It looks and feels better, too. As the flavors mix, they create a rich sauce that enriches your meal.
This change makes your meal more enjoyable, boosting both taste and looks.
Using Cornstarch Slurry for Optimal Texture
For the best thickness, try a cornstarch slurry. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir until it’s smooth.
Add this slurry to your slow cooker in the last 30 minutes. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes. This makes the gravy thick and velvety, perfect with your cube steak.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Cube Steak
When you enjoy slow cooker cube steak, the right sides can make your meal even better. Choosing the right sides can turn your meal into a feast that looks and tastes great. Try pairing your slow-cooked steak with some classic sides to bring out its rich flavor.
Pairing with Sides: Mashed Potatoes, Rice, or Noodles
Mashed potatoes are a great choice to serve with slow cooker cube steak. The creamy potatoes soak up the savory gravy perfectly. Rice or egg noodles are also good options, offering a neutral base that lets the meat shine. No matter what you pick, these sides complete your meal.
Add Vegetables for a Balanced Meal
Adding vegetables is key for a balanced meal. Green beans, carrots, or a fresh salad are all great choices. They not only boost the meal’s nutrition but also add color and texture. These suggestions help make your meal healthy and satisfying.
Storage Tips for Leftover Cube Steak
Storing leftover cube steak safely lets you enjoy it later. It keeps the flavor and quality good. You can store it in the fridge or freezer.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Put your leftover cube steak and gravy in a sealed container. This keeps the taste and moisture in. Eat it within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing Leftovers: Best Practices
Freezing is great for longer storage. Use an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Heat it gently to keep it tender. Avoid overcooking.
Common Variations on Cube Steak Recipes
Cube steak is a versatile cut of meat, perfect for many recipes. You can make your slow cooker cube steak even better by adding veggies and other ingredients. Try adding diced potatoes, bell peppers, or carrots for a nutritious and colorful meal.
Don’t be afraid to try different gravy bases with your cube steak. While cream of mushroom is a favorite, you can also use cream of celery soup or make your own gravy. These options can add a new twist to your dish, making each meal special.
Exploring different gravy bases and adding veggies opens up a world of possibilities with cube steak. Whether you stick to classic comfort food or try something new, these variations will keep your slow cooker meals exciting and delicious.